BEST OF THE BLOGS

Aspiring homeowners may have a less fraught experience shopping for a property as rate fluctuations calm, says NAR’s deputy chief economist. From NAR.

Online survey will be up until mid-May. From VailDaily.com.

Housing policy remains a big priority for the legislature and Governor’s office. Multiple CAR priority bills are waiting to be heard in committees or on the floor.
FUNDING FOR FAIR HOUSING
April is Fair Housing Month, and the Vail Board of REALTORS® Foundation is conducting a donation drive to help support affordable housing for all in our community!

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 in April.
The VBRF supports initiatives focused on creating attainable housing solutions for all and works in collaboration with community organizations to cultivate housing opportunity for all Eagle County residents.
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
April is Fair Housing Month, and the VBR, the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® are offering programming and resources to celebrate Fair Housing efforts. A few will offer CE credits to Brokers.
Fair Housing
Thursday, April 11
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
1 CE

Join us for a breakfast & learn! Bob Howe of Title Company of the Rockies covers the Federal Fair Housing Act, including what property types are covered, illegal actions affiliated with protected groups, appropriate actions for advertising and marketing, and federal and state enforcement.

April is Fair Housing Month. We'll share classes, resources, and more.
The People Behind Diversity
Tuesday, April 16
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Virtual event.
Colorado Association of REALTORS®
Fairhaven is free fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate.

VBR aims to have 65 members complete the Fairhaven program by the end of 2024. Log into your National Association of REALTORS® account and visit Fairhaven today.
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
THIRD-PARTY CLASSES
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) offered for free

The Colorado Association of REALTORS is hosting an online Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation course. This ABR course is free to Colorado REALTORS®.

June 17 and 18
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days
12 CE credits offered.
AFFILIATE CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
New member Rocky Mountain General Contracting

Rocky Mountain GC, LLC is an independent general contracting firm offering remodeling and new construction services - while delivering impeccable results and prioritizing clients. Located in Eagle, serving Vail, Avon, Eagle, and surrounding areas.
Habitat's Housing Survey

Your opinion matters when it comes to housing. Please take this survey from Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley to help form the local Housing Action Plan.

Links to take the survey are below:


Find a trusted Affiliate Partner

There are approximately 200 Affiliate members of the VBR offering services ranging from lending, home services, legal, home inspection, and more.

Visit our Affiliate Directory page to find a trusted real estate related partner (We have two directory options to search).
NAR LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT
Get the facts regarding NAR proposed lawsuit settlement.

The Vail Board of REALTORS® will continue sharing news and resources with our members. You can find timely information at facts.realtor and competition.realtor.

The links below include access to resources from the National Association of REALTORS® and a video with NAR President Kevin Sears and Chief Legal Officer Katie Johnson.
SCAM ALERT
Vacant Land Scams

Please keep in mind that a scammer has been targeting local brokers, particularly claiming to have vacant land to list. The initial contact may come through Realtor.com or a similar website.

Always be wary of random leads and use the FOREWARN program to verify them. This program is offered free of charge to VMLS subscribers. New subscribers can register using their email on file with the VMLS.

The National Association of REALTORS® offers a helpful tips sheet regarding vacant land scams (downloadable link below).
TECH TIPS
How technology can help you improve your financial literacy

Every April is Financial Literacy Month. Check out the following apps on financial literacy.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS
Free wildfire mitigation offered

Did you know that Eagle County homeowners can receive FREE wildfire mitigation property assessments? More information is available at RealFire.net.

Please take some time to educate yourself, clients, and fellow community members.
MEMBER RESOURCES
Member Benefits & Programs

As a Realtor®, your membership includes National, State, and Local. Affiliates also receive benefits as a VBR member. We provide the tools to enhance professionalism in the real estate industry.
Members only: Monthly market stats

All VBR members can log in at VBR.net to see monthly stats, including each area in Eagle County.
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory. 
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory.
Help strengthen the VBR's events, services, member offerings, and initiatives.
THE VALUE OF A REALTOR
The Competition.Realtor website is available for Realtors®, and it provides a comprehensive overview - and talking points - of how Realtors® and the local MLS broker marketplaces benefit consumers.

The Vail Board of REALTORS® also makes this available on our "Why Use a REALTOR®" page on our website to help the public understand the value of REALTORS®.
MEMBER SAFETY TOOLS
Put your safety first - with free tools available to members!
SafeShowings deters criminal behavior, allows you to notify emergency contacts, and mark yourself as safe through the app.

Learn how it works and register today to use SafeShowings (see link below)!
FOREWARN allows agents to have instant due diligence on prospects.

VMLS members can verify a prospect’s identity, criminal records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, address history and property records in one place, leading to safer and more productive interactions.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Education Quick Links

Visit VBR's Education Requirements page for more info on Code of Ethics, license cycle requirements,and more. A reminder: Please stay organized, and keep paper or virtual copies of your certificates.
WELCOME HOME BAGS
Welcome Home Bags available as free closing gifts

The Welcome Home Bag Program is a FREE benefit available for REALTOR® members who sell a home. Call 766-1028 to schedule a pick-up or email matt@vbr.net.

The bag is a great gift for your buyer clients. Each cooler bag includes a picnic blanket, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable shopping tote. It is also a great way to promote our REALTOR® and Affiliate members.

Affiliates: Sponsorship opportunities are available for one of the items. Please contact mel@vbr.net.
BECOME A VAIL PRO
Earn the Vail Pro Designation
Increase your knowledge in the real estate industry and become a local expert! The Vail Pro Designation is an educational program open to ALL VBR Realtor and Affiliate members!

Classes are free for VBR members.
ACCESS YOUR VBR ACCOUNT
You can easily access your account with the Vail Board of REALTORS® to register for events, pay invoices, and update your contact information.
If you have not yet created your account, click the link below and enter your name and contact email (Make sure it's the email we have on file for you). Once you hit submit, you will get a follow-up email to finish setting up the account.
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
VBR TEAM

Association Executive

MLS Director

Member Services & Office Manager

Melanie McKinney Education & Marketing Manager
SUPPORT LINES

If you need assistance with MLS, MLS Touch App, Tech Helpline, or Sentrilock, please use the contact information below.

Flexmls Support:
888-525-4747
(7 AM to 8 PM MTN, Monday - Friday)

Tech Helpline:
Phone: 866-619-8170

Sentrilock Support:
Phone: 877-736-8745
Vail Board of Realtors
970-766-1028 | www.vbr.net